The Effect of External Distractions on Simulated Laparoscopic Performance

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Surgeons are exposed to unavoidable distractions while operating. Distractions can cause stress, and stress can impair cognition and motor skills to the detriment of surgeon performance. This study assessed the impact of distractions on surgeon stress levels and surgeon performance during simulated laparoscopic tasks. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Twelve surgical trainees completed a peg-thread transfer task three times on a laparoscopic simulator in a neutral environment. Six trainees then completed the task three more times in an environment overlain with distractions commonly found in the operating theatre. Six others completed three more tasks in a neutral environment. Stress was measured by recording heart rate and by assessing responses to the NASA Task Load Index. Performance was measured using instrument tracking metrics and time to complete the task. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The distracted participants reported significantly higher effort, frustration, and physical demand than the neutral group, as measured by the NASA Task Load Index, (<i>P</i> = .001, .031, and .044, respectively). The neutral group completed their final task significantly faster compared with baseline (<i>P</i> = .049), while the distracted group failed to show this improvement. The distracted group showed higher hand discordance, suggesting reduced ambidexterity. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Distraction negatively impacted some aspects of performance and resulted in subjective increased stress. In future, simulation may have a role in "stress inoculation," enabling surgeons to maintain performance, despite distractions.